pewjumper Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Hey everybody, wanted to drop in and give you an update. I know that many on the site are new since my days here, but let me give a brief rundown. In October 2006, my mom was diagnosed just before her 41st birthday with NSCLC stage 2B. All of you know what that entails so I won't go into it, but those horrible days and long nights didn't kill us all like I first thought they would. We made it through it one minute at a time. We've been having some issues with a stomach virus and cold symptoms in our house (btw, I'm home from college for the winter break but I'll update about me below), and so Mom was pretty sick last night plus she was coughing and had a sore throat, so her doc sent her to the ER. Since her normal scans were scheduled for today, they went ahead and did them last night. As always, we held our breath in anticipation, fear, and anxiety. And the results came back - NED!! Three years later and we have been blessed to enter another holiday season with extra reason to be thankful. She's ecstatic, of course. One of my former co-workers this past week was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and Mom has offered to meet her for lunch and talk to her - such a major step for Mom, because as many of you know, she couldn't even bring herself to post online here. The fact that she is offering to encourage another cancer victim is amazing. As for me, those of you who remember know I used to be super morbidly obese and unable to walk without assistance, and have changed my life through bariatric surgery, eating healthy, and exercising faithfully 6 days a week, 2 hours a day. I'm happy to report that I've lost over 275 pounds! I was able to return to college this semester at the University of Tennessee, and I've changed my major from English to Biology (Pre-Med) with a minor in exercise physiology. I want to be a bariatric surgeon and be able to help others who want to take a journey like I did - either through surgery or simple lifestyle changes. There have been challenges along the road, as many of my friends here know, but over all I am blessed - I have a wonderful family, a fighter of a mother who kicked lung cancer in the rear, and a second chance of life that is too much for words! I'll post a picture of what I used to look like below and I changed my avatar to a recent pic of me so you can see the difference. Thanks so much for all your support. To new members of this site who are just beginning this fight, there is HOPE and you will find no better place of support than the great group of people who come here and loan their encouragement, expertise, and thoughts. You've found the greatest single resource I obtained during my Mom's battle with cancer. Keep your chins up, keep being positive, and enjoy the gift of life! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geri Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Hi, I remember you and your Mom. I'm so pleased that Mom is doing so well - NED in residence is always something to celebrate, As for you, a mere shadow of your former self, that deserves a huge "congratulations" from me. I hope you're very proud of yourself, you've certainly got life by the tail. Enjoy life! Geri Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
recce101 Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Hey, Mitch, what a treat hearing from you! Sounds like things are shaping up to be a terrific holiday season at your place! Aloha, Ned Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carolhg Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 I certainly do remember you! You look GREAT! I am happy to hear that your mother continues to be NED. Have a wonderful, healthy merry Christmas. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barb73 Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 I remember you and am so happy to both congratulate you on your very successful loss of weight, and your very caring, wonderful support for your lovely Mom. We love seeing her NED reported. It is the GREATEST! Barbara Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RandyW Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Ya got my note on fb but again BIG HUGS for mom!!! Ned is a great friend to have!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaminkw Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Mitch, I do remember you and your Mom and OMG, you look fabulous. I applaud you on your choice of lifework. There is nothing better in my view than choosing a career that allows you to pass on skills you learned that worked for you. Good show! So happy Mom is willing and able to pass on her experience with fighting cancer as well. Just a very Merry Christmas to you and your family. Judy in Key West Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chloesmom Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 It's really good to see that you're both doing well! Cindy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donna G Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Wonderful news! May you bothe enjoy a long and healthy life. Donna G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fillise Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Mitchell, It is so wonderful to get your update. I'm thrilled that your mom and NED are still good friends and that you are doing so well. Talk about turning your life around. . . The only problem is that whole University of Tennessee thing. I'll just say WAR EAGLE and Merry Christmas! Susan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kasey Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 I am so proud of you, Mitch. I recall ALL your posts about your mom and smoking. I do see your pic on FB. I am there, but never say a word. But here I can shout it from the rafters ~ WAY YO GO. GUY! I'm so glad you posted for new folks as well as us 'oldies' too. Give mom a great big 'atta girl' from me. I'm glad she can take that huge step to help her friend. Happy holidays to you both! Kasey Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tkelley Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Wow Mitch! You look fantastic and great news about your mom! Enjoy your holdays! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick C Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 How could we forget you So happy to hear your mom is well and that you have transformed into superhealthy Mitchell. And thanks for popping in. It's great to just see old friends pop in and give some encouraging updates. Good luck with school! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patti B Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Hi Mitch- I was just thinking of you the other day - there are many here who haven't posted in a while. CONGRATS ON YOUR MOMS NED!!!! What a Christmas present that is!!!! And let me tell you - you look great!!!! Keep up the god work and enjoy school!!! Hugs - Patti B. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michellep Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 NED is as always our very best friend! Best wishes and happy holidays to you and your family! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowflake Posted December 17, 2009 Share Posted December 17, 2009 Wow, Mitch, you are rocking that weight loss look! I lost some weight with work earlier this year and was amazed at the new me in the mirror - you've lost about ten times what I did, I can only imagine the time it takes you to realize you're looking at yourself! Glad to hear your mother is doing well and is still NED. What a great holiday! Now, good luck staying away from all those cookies and candies...everything in moderation, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Suzie Q Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 Wow, Mitchell, YOU ROCK! Are you still off the tobacco? Much applause to you and your cancer-kickin' mom! So very nice to hear from you. Karen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alisa Posted December 18, 2009 Share Posted December 18, 2009 What wonderful news for you and your Mom. And you look GREAT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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